A few weeks back, Peninsula College Fund founder Charles Schmuck told me the amazing way he landed Joan Baez to perform at the nonprofit group’s upcoming benefit in Atherton: He asked.

He went through Baez’s reps and it took a few months to get the famed folk singer and civil rights activist to come on board, but it all started because Schmuck figured he had nothing to lose by trying. That’s a good lesson for the students who benefit from PCF’s scholarships and mentoring programs.

Baez is only one part of “High Notes for Higher Learning,” the March 2 fundraiser at Sacred Heart Prep’s Homer Center. Also performing will be Bella Sorella, a soprano ensemble featuring singing sisters-in-law Nova and Susanna Jimenez, accompanied by Joyce Lee on violin and Danielle Naler on piano.

The honorary chairmen for the event are retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, currently San Jose’s Independent Police Auditor; Santa Clara University professor Francisco Jimenez and U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier. Tickets are $125 to $1,000 and are available at www.peninsulacollegefund.org.

SALATA KEEPS HISTORY ALIVE: The San Jose Rotary Club made its 29th presentation of the Don Goldeen Award on Wednesday to Jim Salata, owner of Garden City Construction. The award — named after the late Don Goldeen, a downtown San Jose furniture store owner — is given annually to someone who has had a strong impact on region and downtown San Jose business in particular, and that describes Salata to a T. His company, founded in 1989, has renovated and rehabbed so many historic structures around town, including the San Jose Civic, the Jose Theatre and the Sainte Claire building.

“San Jose is a great place,” he said. “It has a fantastic history, and we do not know how to tout it properly.”

CHEERING THE CHANGE: I was one of the few guys at the Montgomery Theater on Wednesday for the opening night of “Menopause The Musical.”

The hilarious show — about four women from different walks of life compare notes (and trading songs) about the change of life — runs through Feb. 23. Don’t be afraid, fellas. And if you don’t get all the jokes, there’ll be plenty of members of the stronger sex in the audience to clue you in. The brave may buy tickets at www.sjtix.com or 408-792-4111.

Sal Pizarro has written the Around Town column for The Mercury News since 2005. His column covers the people and events surrounding the cultural scene in Silicon Valley. In addition, he writes Cocktail Chronicles, a feature column on Silicon Valley bars and nightclubs.